 S Tahir-ul Haq
Early Times Report
BARAMULLA, Nov 24: Despite a strike call given by the Hurriyat, Kupwara witnessed 59.7% voter turnout, Bandipora 51% and Baramulla 30.8% in the third phase of Panchayat elections which were held Saturday in north Kashmir.
In north Kashmir, there were eight blocks, including Kralpora, Meelyal, Reddi Chowkibal and Handwara in Kupwara district, Sumbal in Bandipora district and Baramulla and Rohama in Baramulla where polling was held.
Sources said that BJP district president lost Panch election in Rafiabad as he was defeated by Kulveer Singh in the third phase of Panchayat elections.
BJP district president Desh Kumar Nehru was defeated as well, said sources.
They said that Desh Kumar Nehru got 153 votes while his opponent Kulveer Singh got 353 votes in Rohama block.
Three candidates were in fray for the polls in which Shabir Mir got only 13 votes; Kulveer Singh was elected as Sarpanch for Panzlla panchayat Halqa.
Desh Kumar is considered as one of the active leaders of BJP in Baramulla, but his unfriendly approach towards the people of Rafiabad constituency led to his defeat. Meanwhile the Chief Electoral Officer J&K, Shaleen Kabra, said that an overwhelming 83% polling was witnessed in Jammu division and 55.7% in Kashmir division.
Giving district-wise details, Kabra said that Kupwara witnessed 59.7%, Bandipora 51%, Baramulla 30.8%, Ganderbal 12%, Budgam 41%, Kargil, 75.6%, Leh 64.1%, Kishtwar 85%, Doda 77.4%, Ramban 85.7%, Udhampur 83.8%, Kathua 83.2%, Rajouri 80.3% and Poonch 87.8% turnout. |
